High-level meeting held to review mining activities in Karbi Anglong

DIPHU — A high-level review meeting on mines and minerals was held at Kajir Ronghangpi Memorial Guest House, Taralangso, on Monday, attended by Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang.

The meeting focused on reviewing detailed field survey reports prepared by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Assam Unit, and the Directorate of Mines and Minerals, Government of Assam.

The meeting was attended by AK Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary, Mines and Minerals, along with officials from GSI and the Directorate of Mines and Minerals.

Member of Parliament, MLAs, Speaker of KAAC, executive members (EMs), members of autonomous council (MACs), principal secretary KAAC, secretaries, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, and other senior officials and dignitaries were also present.

During the meeting, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) revealed that Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts possess exceptionally high potential for rare earth and mines and minerals—some of which are reportedly not found anywhere else in India.

The region is rich in atomic minerals, platinum, phosphate, iron ore, granite, and other vital resources, making it a site of national strategic importance, the GSI stated.

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Tiwari emphasised that mining operations will soon begin in surveyed zones, involving government PSUs and private companies, and stressed the need for securing all necessary statutory clearances, including NOCs, environmental clearance, and forest and wildlife clearance, before operations start.

Tiwari highlighted the importance of strong coordination among agencies like GSI, Directorate of Mines and Minerals, exploring companies, and KAAC authorities, which will facilitate documentation, inter-departmental liaison, and issuance of necessary clearances for mining operations.

In response, the CEM instructed the concerned Secretary In-charge and departments to initiate the necessary procedures immediately and assured full cooperation to expedite permissions, ensuring timely start of mining activities.

Both the CEM and additional chief secretary noted that successful mineral exploration will boost revenue for KAAC and the Assam government, while also addressing unemployment. They expect final exploration reports by 2026, with additional data in 2027.